Harambee starlets gear up for showdown with Tunisia

Harambee Starlets are gearing up for a crucial showdown against Tunisia in the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, with midfield maestro Corazone Vivian Aquino calling on fans to turn up in large numbers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday, February 21.
As Kenya seeks to capitalise on home advantage and maintain their unbeaten record at the venue, the team is banking on passionate local support to propel them toward continental glory.
Similarly, according to the Simba Queens ace, Kenyan fans play a crucial role in driving the team towards success in the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
“I would like to urge our fans to come out in large numbers and support us during our home match at Ulinzi Complex. The home fans’ support is usually a great motivation, and we promise not to let them down,” Aquino stated.
Kenya remains unbeaten at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, and the last time a national team played at the KDF facility was during the 2024 FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup qualifiers, where the Junior Starlets convincingly defeated Burundi 2-0 to secure their maiden ticket to the global tournament in front of an electrified crowd of approximately 15,000 spectators.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has yet to announce gate charges for the crucial match, although previous Harambee Starlets fixtures have seen fans enjoy free entry to the stadium.
Aquino, who could also be deployed as a central defender or in an attacking role due to her versatility, assured that all is well in the Kenyan camp at Kasarani Stadium.
“The camp is going well. There is strong competition among ourselves in training, which is a great way to gauge our levels and readiness for the task ahead.”
For Aquino and the entire team, next week’s clash against the North African side is a must-win, especially on home soil.
“Qualifiers have never been easy, and the upcoming match will be a tough challenge, but we are ready. We understand what is at stake, and we know we must win at all costs. Our goal is to secure a convincing victory in the first leg at home before heading for the return leg away.”
This week’s training camp has primarily involved local-based players, along with those playing in Tanzania for Simba Queens and Yanga Princes.
Other foreign-based players are expected to start joining the team today.
They include Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Adam (Kansas City, USA), Violet Nanjala (Laayoune, Morocco), Janet Bundi Moraa (National Bank, Egypt), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Enez Mango (Farul, Turkey), Lilian Awuor (Farul, Turkey), Leila Apiyo (Sirines, Greece) and Cynthia Shilwatso (Besiktas, Turkey).